Pirtek to continue at Parramatta Eels sponsor for 2013 season

Pirtek Parramatta Eels chief executive officer Ken Edwards has today announced Pirtek’s association with the club as naming rights sponsor will conclude at the end of the 2013 season as per the contracted agreement between the parties.

Mr Edwards said the Eels deeply value the contribution that Pirtek has made since becoming the club’s major sponsor in 2005.

He said the decision was arrived at after detailed discussions about the future needs of both organisations are committed to working together in a positive way to meet all respective obligations and benefits as set out in the existing agreement.

"Whilst it is unfortunate that we couldn’t come to terms to extend our current deal with Pirtek, I think it is important to celebrate what has been a wonderful association between the two parties," Mr Edwards said.

He said the Pirtek Parramatta Eels have put in place a strategic plan for the next five years.

He said by 2017 the club plans to aggressively grow the membership to 40,000; increase their junior participation from 7000 in 2012 to 10,000 whilst further enhancing their elite pathways; strengthening their commitment and involvement with the community through meaningful relationships with their charity partners in addition to developing a reconciliation action plan.

The club is also in the planning stages of developing a high performance and community centre and has opened discussions with key stakeholders about building a state of the art stadium in the future.

Pirtek will maintain a strong connection with this club and will have an ongoing role to play as a corporate supporter.

Pirtek chief executive officer Glenn Duncan said the organisation had enjoyed a fantastic association with the Eels over the past 9 years.

He said the team had experienced highs and lows during that time but Pirtek's support for them had never wavered.

"We wish them every success for the future in implementing their strategic plan over the next five years. We are looking forward to a great 2013 season, on and off the field,” Mr Duncan said.

Parramatta Eels CEO Ken Edwards (far right) has announced that Pirtek will continue as club sponsors until the end of the 2013 season